CALLOUS crooks have been told they should be “ashamed” of themselves after stealing three charity boxes from Witham town centre shops in the space of three days.

A thief stole a charity box from Borno Pharmacy in Newland Street, Witham, last Thursday.

The company manager confirmed the Essex Disabled Angling Club box was stolen at lunchtime, but did not wish to comment further.

Bev Preece, a resident whose father John Preece attends the angling club, said: “It’s so upsetting as my friend does his best to put out all the charity pots to raise money.

“The person who has taken this should be ashamed of themself.”

It happened two days after charity boxes were stolen from the Witham Art and Framing Centre on the same street. The boxes and original artwork were taken overnight.

Burglars made off with two oil paintings valued at £300 each, a camera, and the £50 till float.

Shop owner, Michael Oxley, said he was most upset about the theft of two charity boxes.

He said: “The thing that really upset me was that charity boxes were stolen.

“They damaged a few things coming in, it was just the mess and the shock of it.”

The burglars kicked the door to try and break in, before gaining entry by throwing a brick through the front window.

Mr Oxley said: “I have been in the town for 18 years and nothing has ever happened before.

“I’m a small business and we work long hours, you don’t earn a fortune being a small business.”

Mr Oxley, who offers a printing service, wanted to thank everyone for their support.

Essex Police said the break-in was between 6pm on April 3 and 9.30am on April 4.

Tina Townsend, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, spread the word about security. She said: “This is very disappointing as charities are losing out on much needed funds.

“If anything is noted as unusual, it should be reported to the police.

“Working together will make it more difficult for those taking the boxes to operate.”

Susan Ager, a Witham resident, said a charity box was handed to po- lice on Friday.

She said: “Police were handed a Little Havens box by a builder from a site behind the Newlands Centre.

“I was at The Hub for a Neighbourhood Watch ‘Talk to the Police’ session.

“Obviously the box had been stolen, emptied and dumped on the site.”

Call 101 with information.